13 Most Anticipated Books of July 2021

July is all set to be a spectacular month of book releases – we have books spanning genres, more than ever this month. From the usual literary fiction, fantasy and YA to magical realism, horror, sci-fi and true crime, we have it all this month. There are also moving memoirs and essays that surely deserve to find themselves on your quaint bookshelves. Here are 13 most anticipated books of July 2021.

Appleseed by Matt Bell

Set in three contrasting timelines in Ohio, this science fiction is an ambitious work of ecological, familial and civic themes. The first timeline follows the story of two brothers who plant apple orchards in the 18^th century for the future. The second follows civilization fifty years from now, ravaged by climate change and ecological destruction. The third is a thousand years from now, where the ice ages have returned, civilization has been wiped out and only one sentient being remains. This being sets out on a task to reignite the last vestiges of civilization.

Perversion of Justice by Julie K Brown

This true crime novel tells the Jeffrey Epstein story of underage sex trafficking. This case was treated with grave leniency by both the judiciary and the media. But reported Julie K Brown saw through the scam and was determined to get to the roots of the crime and help mete out justice to the victims. In this book, Brown reveals the secrets that stayed buried for so long – a sex trafficking scheme aimed at vulnerable teen girls from broken homes. This seems deeply unsettling and a masterpiece of media power, and is one to look out for.

Seek You by Kristen Radtke

This book is a profound meditation on a collective American crisis – loneliness – which has assumed all the more importance during the pandemic. Drawing on experiments by Harry Harlow and examining her subject from the lenses of art, social media, gender and violence, Radtke crafts a masterpiece of emotional scrutiny. This graphic novel includes illustrations that make it all the more intimate and real – making the book a must have on your shelf.

London’s Number One Dog-Walking Agency by Kate MacDouglas

Animal lovers – stay on the lookout, this is the perfect book for you! A witty and heartwarming memoir, this follows Kate as she set up her own dog-walking company without any background or expertise on the subject. As she recounts her journey from working at an art auction house to forming her company, she draws on various adorable pet stories and anecdotes. What’s even better is that these somehow devolve into life lessons, making this book as insightful as it is adorable.

A Touch of Jen by Beth Morgan

This book is an intersection of horror and literary fiction – really, what more could a reader need? It follows Remy and Alicia, two insecure service workers who are both equally obsessed with the beautiful Jen. They fantasize about her and keep track of all her social media accounts. When they run into her and she invites them on a surfing trip with her boyfriend and friends, they go giddy with happiness. But soon, a social media obsession turns into something more and they find themselves in an alternate reality, full of their most horrific fantasies.

Virtue by Hermione Hoby

This book follows Luca, a young intern at a magazine company, who finds himself entangled with the marriage of a wealthy white couple. He begins to harbour a devastating infatuation for their relationship and their wealthy lifestyle, being sucked into the rabbit hole of their fame and opulence. But when a tragedy strikes back in New York, he finally begins to understand the implications of his obsession and allegiance. This book seems dark and compelling, and definitely deserves a place on your shelf.

Any Way The Wind Blows by Rainbow Rowell

Of ‘Eleanor and Park’ and ‘Fangirl’ fame, Rowell is coming out with her third installation in the Simon Snow series. In this book, Simon, Baz, Penelope and Agatha scourge a way to move on from the events in the second book. Simon must make a choice about his destiny in the World of Mages and its implications on his relationship with Baz. Baz, on the other hand must grapple with family conflicts and vampire identities. Penelope is struggling with illegally getting an American immigrant to London and Agatha is dealing with her own stuff. It’s going to be  a hell of a ride to see where Rowell takes the series with the third book.

Intimacies by Katie Kitamura

This book isn’t creating a lot of buzz in the book community, which it should be doing, because the premise is mind-blowing. It supposedly follows an interpreter at the Hague International Court, and her involvement in personal, political and ontological issues. In the process, her opinions on and ideas of intangible concepts like love and violence are sorely shaken. It seems like this book is going to have a lot of insightful passages and meditations on ideas crucial to world peace, which makes it all the more interesting.

Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder

The plot of this book is out of the world. To put it in a sentence – an ambitious artist decides to give up her job to become a homemaker mother, and somehow ends up believing that she is a dog. A literary fiction imbued with magical realism, this follows the mother’s life as she struggles to keep her canine identity secret from the world. In the process, she discovers other mothers who also have magic backgrounds and are involved in a marketing scheme. This is powerful but humorous take on womanhood, motherhood, art and belief system that we think will blow your mind.

Wayward by Dana Spiotta

Set during the turbulent elections of 2016, this novel follows Samantha Raymond, whose life begins to unravel. With family issues like a sick mother and distant daughter, she stumbles upon a mid-life crisis, questioning her purpose in life and ideas of other motherhood. In the backdrop, America also comes unraveled, with uncertainty looing ahead. Contrasting politics with personal identity, Spiotta crafts a masterpiece of womanhood.

The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller

This book follows Elle, a happily married middle aged mother of three. Elle returns to the ‘Paper Palace’, a summer home she visits every year. This year, though, she sleeps with her friend Jonas, with whom she always dreamed of spending her life. But that was before a tragic event shook their lives forever. Now, she stands at crossroads – she must choose between a settled, happy, secure life and an uncertain, passionate path. It seems that this book is told with heartbreaking tenderness. That is exactly the kind that needs to be on your TBR.

All These Warriors by Amy Tintera

The conclusion to the Monsters duology, this one is highly anticipated to finish off what Tintera set out to do in ‘All These Monsters’. It follows Clara and Team Seven’s journey as they set out to ‘expose the truth’ of the scrab menace. They will deal with different challenges, but the most important ones will be their own selves. The first book was gripping and explosive, and we anticipate this one to be the same.

What Strange Paradise by Omar El Akkad

This book follows a shipwreck on an island where dozens of Palestinians, Syrians, Egyptians, Lebanese and Ethiopians die. Nine year old Syrian refugee Amir miraculously survives, rescued by Vanna. The two speak different tongues yet communicate, a beautiful bond forms between them. She is willing to do anything to help him and he is willing to submit to her without doubts. Full of empathy and kindness, this is a story of humanity that will move you to tears.

Also Read: Bestselling Audiobooks of June 2021